Is ‘For Sale by Owner’ Right for You?
2026
With so much information about homes online, many people wonder if they need a real estate agent at all. They want to save the 6 percent commission. And selling it themselves seems easy enough. But is the for sale by owner (FSBO) path right for you?
If you want to try FSBO, you should start by checking out comparable sales online. Learn about your local market and determine a good price for your home. Take photos with your smartphone, write strong marketing copy, and make a few cosmetic enhancements if needed. When you’re ready, list your home online for buyers. In some cases, it truly can be easy, but not for everyone. Some things to ask yourself:
* Can you emotionally detach from your home?
Your home is where you’ve likely made memories and have some serious emotional attachments. The sale of your home generally comes at a time of life change: a new job, a baby, retirement, death or divorce.
If you can’t emotionally detach, you might not be objective. And by not being objective, there can be negative financial ramifications. Putting a third party in between you and the sale can be help give you the objective perspective you need.
* Do you have doubts?
There are many things for you to consider: the local market, pricing, disclosures and property access, among other things. So when it’s time to go FSBO, some doubt may creep in. You may wonder: Is my timing right? Is the pricing right? Is there something I’m missing? Am I ready to sell?
* How much money will you really save?
If you go it alone, you aren’t necessarily saving 6 percent of the home’s sales price. Most likely, you’re only saving 3 percent because you’ll still have to pay the buyer’s agent 3 percent commission.
When a home is sold, the seller ordinarily pays the 6 percent commission. The seller’s agent then splits the commission with the buyer’s agent. If you want to get traffic to your home, you must offer the 3 percent commission to the buyer’s agent to incentivize them to show your home.
* Can you become a part-time real estate agent?
Selling a home requires a lot of preparation time, not to mention the time and energy to show the home once it’s listed for sale. You’ll have to field calls, emails and questions from buyers and agents. Plus you’ll have to be prepared to show it at a moment’s notice. It could easily begin to feel as if you’ve taken on a part-time job.
If you’re sure you can overcome the doubts and fears associated with being unrepresented, have the time and energy to make it happen, then give FSBO a shot. But keep in mind that once your listing goes ‘live,’ the days on market (DOM) clock starts ticking. That number of days is the buyer’s way of knowing how your home fares in the market. If the DOM approaches 90 and your home hasn’t sold, buyers will notice.
Also, if you’re unsuccessful and end up listing your home the traditional way, savvy buyers will know about your previous attempt to sell FSBO. They may use it against you when making an offer. So put your best foot forward. If you’re not there yet, don’t go FSBO. Take the time you need and reevaluate your plans. The last thing you want to do is rush into the market when you’re not ready.
